The Transport and Air Quality Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Monday 7 April 2025 to discuss the Air Quality Action Plan 2025-30, the Pavement (Vehicle) Crossover Review, and the Programme of Planned Highway Maintenance Works 2025/26. The committee approved adjustments to the Air Quality Action Plan, noted the impact of revised vehicle crossover criteria, and approved the planned highway maintenance programme.

Air Quality Action Plan 2025-30

The committee reviewed the responses to the public consultation on the draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2025-30. The plan, which was delayed due to the General Election, received strong public support. Several additional workstreams were incorporated into the plan based on consultation feedback. These include a pilot programme on non-exhaust vehicle emissions, investigating options to reduce impacts on nurseries, and updating the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to align with new targets. The council's opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion and concerns over airspace modernisation will be further emphasised. Additionally, the plan will include targeted efforts on engine idling, with a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) against idling to be consulted on, and an extension of education programmes to include disabled people and address indoor air pollution. Minor textual amendments were made for clarity, and Public Health sections were updated.

During the discussion, it was noted that while electric vehicles do not produce nitrogen dioxide, there is conflicting research on their impact on PM2.5 levels, with vehicle weight and driving style being contributing factors. The PSPO for idling would cover all vehicles, though buses might be legally exempt. Wood burning was identified as a significant source of PM pollution, contributing 18% of the borough's total, and while legislative controls are limited, efforts are being made to discourage it in new developments and raise awareness. The AQAP received the Fleet Vision International Air Quality Strategy of the Year Award.

Two public questions were raised: one concerning the use of leaf blowers for street cleaning and their air pollution impact, and another seeking clarification on the percentages cited in the report regarding public support for various actions in the AQAP.

The committee resolved to adjust the draft plan to include the new workstreams, investigate impacts on nurseries, emphasise opposition to Heathrow expansion, target engine idling, and make minor readability improvements. A summary of consultation responses will be shared with relevant teams, and the final plan will apply to 2025-2030.

Ward Concerns: Railshead Road

Councillor Mansfield raised concerns about the significant delays in delivering promised changes for Railshead Road, which have been budgeted and planned for several years. Despite planning applications being submitted and officers' efforts, progress has stalled due to safety concerns regarding excavation near a historic listed brick wall. The developer, who is responsible for the works, has not yet submitted a new planning application after previous ones expired. The council's legal advice indicates no power to force the private landowner to undertake the works unless the wall is structurally unsafe. Officers are attempting to arrange a meeting with the wall's owners to understand their position and explore potential progress. It was suggested that a solution might involve replicating gates installed behind York House Gardens to protect walls.

Pavement (Vehicle) Crossover Review

The committee reviewed the impact of amendments made in April 2024 to the criteria for vehicle (pavement) crossovers. The changes aimed to make the process more permissive, addressing resident complaints about strict criteria leading to refusals, unfairness compared to previous rules, and the needs of electric vehicles. The review indicated a significant increase in applications, from 54 in the year prior to the changes to 143 in the subsequent year, with an 88% approval rate compared to 74% previously. A notable portion of these approvals (62) related to previously unauthorised crossovers. The changes have generally been implemented with conditions for permeable paving, soft landscaping, and pedestrian priority. The committee noted the impact of these amendments and considered whether to make any observations to the Policy and Performance Board, which is due to review the matter in May 2025.

Programme of Planned Highway Maintenance Works 2025/26

The committee approved the Council's revised annual planned highway maintenance programmes for 2025/26. This includes an increased budget of £7.65 million for capital works and £1.84 million for revenue funding, totalling £9.49 million, which is described as one of the largest highway maintenance programmes across London. The programme will deliver 21 footway renewals and 32 carriageway resurfacing projects, with a focus on A and B roads, as well as prioritised residential streets. The approach is data-led and prioritised, aiming to move from a state of managed decline to improvement. The council will also seek additional funding from Transport for London (TfL) for principal roads. The committee also noted an additional list of reserve schemes that could be brought forward if further funding becomes available and delegated any subsequent changes to the programme to the Director of Environment & Community Services (Traffic and Engineering) following consultation with the Chair.

Committee Work Programme

The committee noted the updated Committee Work Programme, which includes upcoming items such as reviews of e-bikes and e-scooters, bus services, and the Richmond Corporate Plan performance. Future discussions will also cover the Cross Deep Corridor Study, long-term traffic engineering schemes, and the Hampton Court Road cycle and safety scheme. A suggestion to analyse parking structures based on vehicle emissions, size, and weight was not seconded and therefore not added to the programme.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Alexander Ehmann (Chair), Councillor James Chard (Vice-Chair), and other councillors. Councillor Marjory Millum sent apologies and was substituted by Councillor Jonathan Cardy.